Nathan Thomas's double saw Carlisle United draw their first match under Chris Beech in the FA Cup second round at Forest Green.

A replay will be required to separate the teams after the Blues came from behind but then saw their lead wiped out.

It was an entertaining cup tie at the New Lawn as Beech, taking charge for the first time as head coach, saw his side remain in the hat ahead of tonight's third-round draw.

Aaron Collins headed League Two's second-placed side into a 10th-minute lead after a mistake by keeper Adam Collin.

Thomas levelled with a fine strike before half-time and then slotted the Blues ahead on 76 minutes, before Matty Stevens scored a minute later for Mark Cooper's side.

Here's what our Blues views thought of Saturday's game.

Ste Alderson

For many, the appointment of Beech was a pretty underwhelming managerial appointment, but an away draw against a very strong Forest Green side is a perfectly decent start to life in the hot seat for him.

While we clearly still have defensive issues, this was a step in the right direction as a team performance.

Aaron Hayden came in and did very well while, in midfield, Canice Carroll impressed again. It was good to see Stefan Scougall starting, as well.

Some great finishing by Thomas led to United's two goals, and the only really shame was the howler by Collin for their first, but he’s had an excellent season.

Two big, big games coming up now and it's time to stay positive and get behind the new man.

Graham Watt

Well, I am the first to admit that what I expected last week didn’t happen.

Firstly, we have a new boss and we are in the hat for the third round of the FA Cup.

It looks like, even after a few days, Beech is getting more from the squad. If he can make sure Thomas keeps showing his full potential, the rest of the season will be a heck of a lot better than the first part.

It’s a shame we couldn’t hold out at 2-1, but it was not to be and we have a very tough replay to come.

Now, we have a huge six-pointer against our closest rivals in Morecambe, and the Blue army will be out in force again. With the new manager and the confidence boost of having held Forest Green, we should safely navigate the tie.

Craig Mattinson

Well, all in all, a really positive first game in charge for Beech.

Despite being largely outplayed in the first half, we were on level terms at the break thanks to a fantastic strike from the rejuvenated Thomas.

Forest Green look a decent outfit with slick passing, and excellent use of the wings by them left us largely on the back foot.

However, what was said at half-time worked a treat and we turned the game into a proper cup tie. It felt fantastic to, at last, see our Blues showing heart and character, earning their draw and well-deserved ovation at the end of the game.

More of the same at Morecambe on Saturday, please.

David MacLachlan

So, we have a new "head coach". One Chris Beech who, I must confess, I’d not heard of.

After looking at the candidates supposedly on the shortlist, this appointment might just be the refreshing change of direction to boost our flagging season.

At Forest Green, we were fortunate to be level at half-time.

But when Thomas scored his second goal to put us in front, it was disappointing but wearily predictable we could only keep that lead for 90 seconds. But we are in the hat for round three.

Hopefully, the new manager - sorry head coach - can put an end to the defensive lapses.

Bruce Vander

Beech’s appointment was certainly left-field. New ideas, a clean slate for all, and the chance of a fresh untarnished leader engaging with fans may be a step forward for our board of directors.

In the last week, they have shown that there is a plan, but not something a mere supporter needs know about.

Beech's first starting XI was bold and refreshing.

He gave a first start for Hayden and Carroll played in a new role, and Mike Jones may bear fruit in time, as will a re-energised Thomas.

Outplayed in the first half, things settled, and United showed new vigour.

The replay will be no pushover but there are early signs of new hope.

Michelle Hall

Welcome to Chris Beech who started his tenure as head coach at Carlisle United last week.

A surprise appointment for most Carlisle fans, but we must get behind him and see where he can take the club.

His first game in charge was the long trip to face League Two promotion-chasers Forest Green Rovers in the FA Cup.

After 90 minutes of action, the 2-2 result means a replay at Brunton Park.

A Thomas double earned the Blues a draw.

But, if a big-named opponent is drawn out of the hat this evening, what an incentive for the Carlisle players to dig deep and despatch Forest Green on home turf!